SASOLBURG, Tuesday 27 October 2026 — Democratic Alliance (DA) Metsimaholo caucus leader and Ward 14 candidate Michael Thulani Mbana was shot dead outside his home in Zamdela on Monday evening, prompting a police murder investigation eight days before South Africa’s local government elections.
The DA confirmed his death on Tuesday, while Free State police said investigators had not established a motive or determined whether the killing was politically motivated.
Councillor shot outside his home
Police spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said two unidentified men approached Mbana’s residence in Taylor Park, Zamdela, at approximately 21:40 on Monday.
The men allegedly called him outside. When he approached, one of the suspects produced a firearm and shot him several times at close range.
Mbana sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. The suspects fled on foot.
Police have activated the Zamdela Trio Task Team and Serious Organised Crime Unit to investigate the killing and identify those responsible.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests were confirmed in the reporting reviewed.
DA confirms loss of senior municipal figure
DA Free State leader Roy Jankielsohn confirmed that Mbana served as the party’s caucus leader in Metsimaholo Local Municipality.
Mbana joined the DA in 2017 and previously served as a member of the mayoral committee responsible for Spatial Planning and Human Settlements when the party participated in the municipality’s government.
Jankielsohn said Mbana had played an important role in the party’s local structures, election campaigns and community representation.
The DA also acknowledged condolences received from ANC representative Ketso Makhume and Freedom Front Plus representative Jan van Niekerk.
Killing comes days before municipal vote
Mbana was contesting Ward 14 in the 4 November local government elections.
His death removes a senior local political figure from the campaign during the final days before voting.
It also raises questions about the party’s remaining campaign arrangements and the electoral procedures applicable to his ward candidacy.
The DA and Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) had not publicly confirmed any replacement arrangements in the material reviewed.
Police have not established political motive
Although the killing occurred during an election campaign, police have cautioned against speculation about its cause.
Investigators have not publicly linked the murder to political rivalry, candidate selection disputes or any other specific motive.
The distinction is important because the circumstances of the shooting remain subject to criminal investigation.
The next developments will be the identification of suspects, any arrests, and clarification from the IEC and DA regarding the Ward 14 election arrangements.
